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Love in Logistics #1
A Break in Communications
Set for the ultimate office showdown, Lucy and Anna have to… pretend to date?
Lucy Masters is Anna’s personal nightmare for Christmas: the cutthroat competitor in her office vying for the same executive communications position that Anna is aiming for, a decision to be settled by Christmas.
Anna Preston’s whole life is wrapped up in this opportunity, and she’s not pulling any punches when it comes to her relentless rival. She’s finally settling this score, putting Lucy down once and for all, and getting the promotion, no matter what.
Lucy Masters is deeply, desperately, head-over-heels in love with Anna Preston. Despite the constant flirting and advances over the past year, her coworker hasn’t seemed to pick up on any of it.
But when they’re put together on one major project to prove themselves before the executive promotion opens, maybe Lucy has a chance to get through to her. Especially when, one way or another, half the world thinks they’re dating, and they have to keep up the charade.
Between Anna’s nosy family, their nosy office, and a major client who loves the fact that Anna and Lucy are definitely, absolutely a real couple, will they bridge the gaps between them, or will the position of communications executive… well, get in the way of their communication?
A Break in Communications is an 85,000-word Christmas office romance with a one-sided enemies-to-lovers, other-sided love-at-first-sight dynamic, featuring fake dating, secret dating at the same time, and a cast of characters each with more issues than the last. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, injury and hospitalization of an elderly relative (she’s fine, though, for better or worse), and a whole host of nosy people trying to help and making things worse.
Lucy Masters is Anna’s personal nightmare for Christmas: the cutthroat competitor in her office vying for the same executive communications position that Anna is aiming for, a decision to be settled by Christmas.
Anna Preston’s whole life is wrapped up in this opportunity, and she’s not pulling any punches when it comes to her relentless rival. She’s finally settling this score, putting Lucy down once and for all, and getting the promotion, no matter what.
Lucy Masters is deeply, desperately, head-over-heels in love with Anna Preston. Despite the constant flirting and advances over the past year, her coworker hasn’t seemed to pick up on any of it.
But when they’re put together on one major project to prove themselves before the executive promotion opens, maybe Lucy has a chance to get through to her. Especially when, one way or another, half the world thinks they’re dating, and they have to keep up the charade.
Between Anna’s nosy family, their nosy office, and a major client who loves the fact that Anna and Lucy are definitely, absolutely a real couple, will they bridge the gaps between them, or will the position of communications executive… well, get in the way of their communication?
A Break in Communications is an 85,000-word Christmas office romance with a one-sided enemies-to-lovers, other-sided love-at-first-sight dynamic, featuring fake dating, secret dating at the same time, and a cast of characters each with more issues than the last. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, injury and hospitalization of an elderly relative (she’s fine, though, for better or worse), and a whole host of nosy people trying to help and making things worse.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2024
61 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Lily Seabrooke
36 books328 followersLily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 30, 2024
“Hey, I’ll take what I can get,” she laughed, a small, soft sound, looking over at me with that twinkle in her eyes—both impossibly fond and distantly sad all at once. God, this girl actually seriously liked me. Where did she get off like that?
3.5 stars. A wacky Christmas romcom that got a little silly, a little spicy, a little ridiculous... I had fun! This is the kind of thing that very much can't be taken seriously if you're going to enjoy it, or at least in my estimation. The characters are a bit TOO ridiculous, and some of the side characters especially are kinda over the top in how dumb they're meant to be, or the hijinks they get up to. Meddling mom and abrasive grandma turned up to 11. Certain plot things just did not make sense. But still, this was cute and made me smile.
It's an office romance, a hate-to-love/rivals-to-lovers situation that is completely one-sided, which might not work in some situations, but here, it was hilarious and so fucking charming to me. Anna despises her co-worker Lucy, and has been competing with her for the last few years, to see who can leave the office later, who can take on more projects/responsibility, and now, as Christmas is drawing closer, to see who can secure a big promotion. She's determined to score one over Lucy no matter what. Lucy, on the other hand, has been desperately in love with Anna for the past few years, and since all her attempts at flirting seem to go over Anna's head, she's resigned herself to just having fun by competing with her. Through a wacky series of events, they end up having to pretend to be dating, both for their office colleagues and for Anna's family. Holiday fun and romance ensure. It's all really ridiculous, and like I said, the way certain events come together make zero sense. The reason they have to fake date is so flimsy (something something, the client they want to impress is a huge ally and has two gay daughters so they need to date to appease him ??). They have a ditzy co-worker, Kelcey, who's supposed to be the comic relief, but her stupidity is so exaggerated, it verged on being annoying. Same with Anna's sister, though to a different degree. All of it was funny, sure, but it was a level of comedy so over the top, it went beyond the realm of belief, and that's not always that fun?
And yet! Nevertheless! I was so charmed, lol. Even when I found myself a little irritated, I was still giggling along with everything that was happening. Even when it was ridiculous, it made me smile. The basic premise of one woman loathing the other (or trying to make herself loathe the other) with every fibre of her being, while the object of her hatred is nonstop swooning over her? It's so cute, lol. Lucy is absolutely obsessed with Anna, practically worships the ground she walks on, and that was just kinda fun. This got steamy in a way that was kinda abrupt, but happily, it really worked for me lol. And it worked for the characters too. (Lucy worships Anna but she's also bossy and puts her in her place, hallelujah.) The B-plot romance was over the top but cute, and it sets up the next romance in the series really well. This could have definitely used another little edit, and I wish that there were more Christmas activities on page, but I can't complain too much. I just found this to be so cute, lol.
Seabrooke is one of my favourites for a reason! Not every author could get me to like something as silly as this. I'll definitely read the next book in the series. Perhaps in the coming days! Or I'll save it for next Christmas.
“So? Company policy has got nothing on love.”
November 28, 2024
Well done! The rivals to lovers was well played with one hopelessly in love and the other completely oblivious. Their banter was fun and their heat was steamy. Vying for the same promotion, can they work together to succeed? Well there’s also the little thing of fake dating added to mix of ‘working together’ that pushes the boundaries and opens the heart.
The overbearing mom, while done out of love was quite obnoxious and rude. Lily knows how to make it work out but I was often taken aback at how the mom just dismissed everything Anna said unless it was something she wanted to hear.
The sister started off the same way but then there were many glimpses of more and her side character would make a great future mc with hopefully the sweet and light Kelcey!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The overbearing mom, while done out of love was quite obnoxious and rude. Lily knows how to make it work out but I was often taken aback at how the mom just dismissed everything Anna said unless it was something she wanted to hear.
The sister started off the same way but then there were many glimpses of more and her side character would make a great future mc with hopefully the sweet and light Kelcey!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
It feels fitting that my first holiday romance of the year is by Lily Seabrooke. It's become somewhat of a tradition for me to read her Christmas romances every year.
This book has such a fun dynamic. It's not so much fake dating as it is two characters who have so much chemistry, everyone around them just assumes they're dating and won't hear otherwise. They truly do try to tell people they're not dating, but to no avail! It's not their fault that they then just go along with it, right? And their dynamic is even more fun, because while one of them thinks they are sworn rivals, the other is desperately yearning for her.
This premisse, combined with Lily's hilarious writing style and way of writing characters, made for an incredibly entertaining read. I will always recommend adding a Lily Seabrooke book to your Christmas TBRs, and this one is a great new addition.
This book has such a fun dynamic. It's not so much fake dating as it is two characters who have so much chemistry, everyone around them just assumes they're dating and won't hear otherwise. They truly do try to tell people they're not dating, but to no avail! It's not their fault that they then just go along with it, right? And their dynamic is even more fun, because while one of them thinks they are sworn rivals, the other is desperately yearning for her.
This premisse, combined with Lily's hilarious writing style and way of writing characters, made for an incredibly entertaining read. I will always recommend adding a Lily Seabrooke book to your Christmas TBRs, and this one is a great new addition.
February 20, 2025
Anna is competing with her work nemesis Lucy to get the position of executive communications director. Both are stubborn women, very similar in character. They almost stumble into a fake dating situation to try to keep one of the company’s major clients on board, and send mixed messages to each other, their colleagues and their families.
This is a hilarious romantic situational comedy, full of sarcastic comebacks, barely veiled threats, wacky one-liners, awkward encounters and steamy steamy sex 😅 both main characters are masterfully written, and Anna’s sister and mother are nightmares!
It was hard to tell where this was based; sometimes I thought Britain, because of several references, but I finally decided somewhere in USA, but it’s difficult.
This is a hilarious romantic situational comedy, full of sarcastic comebacks, barely veiled threats, wacky one-liners, awkward encounters and steamy steamy sex 😅 both main characters are masterfully written, and Anna’s sister and mother are nightmares!
It was hard to tell where this was based; sometimes I thought Britain, because of several references, but I finally decided somewhere in USA, but it’s difficult.
December 5, 2024
5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and their interaction made me laugh, sometimes even out loud. If you’re locking for a lighthearted read, this is your book. Recommend.
November 20, 2024
It's the first book that I read that is 1/2 enemies to lovers and I LOVED IT. I read the whole book in one sitting and it became one of favorites genre. The only thing that bothered me is everyone's personalities. With Lucy, how was Anna supposed to know her undying love with the way she was acting. Also, Anna's family was so annoying that it was annoying me, but I guess it's part of the whole fake dating plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2024
Thank you to Booksprout for the eARC of this book.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Lily Seabrooke, but it’s going to be my last. Her writing style isn’t for me.
The premise of this book was promising, but the execution left something to be desired.
The storyline was cluttered with too many characters that added little value to the main concept of having the MCs competing for the same promotion. I would have liked more focus on that one element – the competition between Anna and Lucy – which leads to them having to spend more time together and thinking about each other a lot. Stick with that main premise and throw out a lot of the other things that only clutter up the storytelling, including the fake dating scenario, which was not needed at all for this book.
There were far too many characters mucking up the story. This started from the jump when Anna kept detailing co-worker after co-worker. Who cares about all of those co-workers? Not me. Yes, she works with a few seemingly incompetent co-workers, but the real focus should be on her competitor, Lucy.
Anna’s family was dysfunctional at best and overbearing at worst. I didn’t like any of them to be honest. Their characterizations were superficial and while I realized that Veronica was supposed to offer some sort of comic relief through her over the top dialogue, I found myself cringing instead of laughing. Lucy’s grandmother was not endearing either. She was mean and again, while some of her dialogue may have been meant to be funny, I didn’t find myself laughing. Instead, I found myself hoping the scene with Lucy’s grandmother ended as soon as possible.
Overall, I find Seabrook’s writing style to be that of “let’s throw everything at the wall and see what sticks,” which is not a great way to create a story. What happens instead is a superficial exploration of multiple characters while throwing them in over the top situations where I’m wondering, “How in the heck did we get here?” I wasn’t engaged with the characters or the storytelling in A Break in Communications. I honestly didn’t care if the MCs got together or not.
Having an editor – or perhaps changing her editor if she currently has one – to help define the characters and the storyline would be helpful here. There’s so much of this book that doesn’t work, but there are things that do work. Seabrook needs someone to help point out the things that work and discard the parts that don’t as she refines a draft and finalizes her book.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Lily Seabrooke, but it’s going to be my last. Her writing style isn’t for me.
The premise of this book was promising, but the execution left something to be desired.
The storyline was cluttered with too many characters that added little value to the main concept of having the MCs competing for the same promotion. I would have liked more focus on that one element – the competition between Anna and Lucy – which leads to them having to spend more time together and thinking about each other a lot. Stick with that main premise and throw out a lot of the other things that only clutter up the storytelling, including the fake dating scenario, which was not needed at all for this book.
There were far too many characters mucking up the story. This started from the jump when Anna kept detailing co-worker after co-worker. Who cares about all of those co-workers? Not me. Yes, she works with a few seemingly incompetent co-workers, but the real focus should be on her competitor, Lucy.
Anna’s family was dysfunctional at best and overbearing at worst. I didn’t like any of them to be honest. Their characterizations were superficial and while I realized that Veronica was supposed to offer some sort of comic relief through her over the top dialogue, I found myself cringing instead of laughing. Lucy’s grandmother was not endearing either. She was mean and again, while some of her dialogue may have been meant to be funny, I didn’t find myself laughing. Instead, I found myself hoping the scene with Lucy’s grandmother ended as soon as possible.
Overall, I find Seabrook’s writing style to be that of “let’s throw everything at the wall and see what sticks,” which is not a great way to create a story. What happens instead is a superficial exploration of multiple characters while throwing them in over the top situations where I’m wondering, “How in the heck did we get here?” I wasn’t engaged with the characters or the storytelling in A Break in Communications. I honestly didn’t care if the MCs got together or not.
Having an editor – or perhaps changing her editor if she currently has one – to help define the characters and the storyline would be helpful here. There’s so much of this book that doesn’t work, but there are things that do work. Seabrook needs someone to help point out the things that work and discard the parts that don’t as she refines a draft and finalizes her book.
November 16, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. I've enjoyed a lot of Lily's books in the past but this one didn't quite hit the heights I was looking for.
The biggest reason for this, I think, is that I didn't feel the chemistry between the two leads. I liked their initial interactions and how they were railroaded into a fake relationship but when they started to get closer, I just didn't feel the love. The initial sex scene did nothing to help this as it was a purely physical scene with no emotions being expressed. Worse, the later sex scenes were no better in that regard. There was a mention of their second time having sex having been more caring and emotional but I would have liked to have seen it first hand rather than as hearsay.
I also didn't really like any of the characters in this. The two leads were ok but too work focussed for my liking and Anna's family was a nightmare especially her awful sister who didn't have a likeable bone in her body. Her side relationship with one of the leads' work colleagues was a toxic mess and I don't understand why it was included.
Still, the book is well written and rolls along at a decent tempo. I certainly wasn't bored and I was invested in how things were going to work out. Not a book I'd re-read but I don't regret reading it. Just wasn't the super sweet Christmas romance I was hoping for.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. I've enjoyed a lot of Lily's books in the past but this one didn't quite hit the heights I was looking for.
The biggest reason for this, I think, is that I didn't feel the chemistry between the two leads. I liked their initial interactions and how they were railroaded into a fake relationship but when they started to get closer, I just didn't feel the love. The initial sex scene did nothing to help this as it was a purely physical scene with no emotions being expressed. Worse, the later sex scenes were no better in that regard. There was a mention of their second time having sex having been more caring and emotional but I would have liked to have seen it first hand rather than as hearsay.
I also didn't really like any of the characters in this. The two leads were ok but too work focussed for my liking and Anna's family was a nightmare especially her awful sister who didn't have a likeable bone in her body. Her side relationship with one of the leads' work colleagues was a toxic mess and I don't understand why it was included.
Still, the book is well written and rolls along at a decent tempo. I certainly wasn't bored and I was invested in how things were going to work out. Not a book I'd re-read but I don't regret reading it. Just wasn't the super sweet Christmas romance I was hoping for.
November 30, 2024
Anna Preston is determined to land the executive communications position when her boss retires. And she will not be distracted by Lucy Masters. This is easier said than done as Masters simply will not leave Anna alone. In fact, it seems that she will do almost anything to get on Anna’s nerves.
Lucy Masters fell in love with Anna Preston on the day they met. Despite her best efforts, Anna seems oblivious to Lucy’s feelings. Annoying Anna didn’t get the reaction Lucy was hoping for, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. At this point, Lucy will take what she can get. And what better way to annoy her than to compete with her for the promotion?
Anna and Lucy are smart, sarcastic and successful. The supporting cast is chaotic in the best way possible. Anna’s family is completely oblivious, entirely too nosy, unrelentingly supportive and undeniably loving. While Lucy’s grandma is the poster child for lovingly grumpy grandparents everywhere.
A Break In Communications is a delightful and quirky twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers story. It’s a sweet and spicy, sapphic Christmas romance that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. It’s got office politics, a fake relationship, and a whole lot of holiday fun. It’s a yuletide tale that you won’t want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucy Masters fell in love with Anna Preston on the day they met. Despite her best efforts, Anna seems oblivious to Lucy’s feelings. Annoying Anna didn’t get the reaction Lucy was hoping for, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers. At this point, Lucy will take what she can get. And what better way to annoy her than to compete with her for the promotion?
Anna and Lucy are smart, sarcastic and successful. The supporting cast is chaotic in the best way possible. Anna’s family is completely oblivious, entirely too nosy, unrelentingly supportive and undeniably loving. While Lucy’s grandma is the poster child for lovingly grumpy grandparents everywhere.
A Break In Communications is a delightful and quirky twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers story. It’s a sweet and spicy, sapphic Christmas romance that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. It’s got office politics, a fake relationship, and a whole lot of holiday fun. It’s a yuletide tale that you won’t want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2024
Anna and Lucy are bitter work rivals. But, with Anna’s fixation on Lucy’s every move that borders on an obsession that even Anna’s family notices and, with the minor detail that Lucy is hopelessly in love with Anna…they’re pretty lousy at being rivals. Fortunately, a series of mishaps and missteps forces the two women to fake being girlfriends, giving them a chance to blur the lines between enemies, colleagues, and lovers until the truth becomes clear.
A Break in Communications is a hilarious, sweet, and sexy holiday romance with unforgettable characters. Anna and Lucy are both hot, competent businesswomen, which makes it all the more entertaining to see them make each other fall apart as they grow closer. Anna’s family is pure chaos, but their underlying affection for Anna and wishes for her happiness are endearing. Lucy’s ornery but kind grandmother adds to the story’s humor and warmth, and Lucy and Anna’s quirky coworkers round out the colorful cast. Although Anna and Lucy’s happily ever after seems inevitable to everyone around them, their road to figuring it out is twisty, steamy, sweet, but ultimately highly satisfying.
For readers who enjoy sapphic romance filled with heart, spice, and mischief, A Break in Communication is destined to become a holiday favorite.
A Break in Communications is a hilarious, sweet, and sexy holiday romance with unforgettable characters. Anna and Lucy are both hot, competent businesswomen, which makes it all the more entertaining to see them make each other fall apart as they grow closer. Anna’s family is pure chaos, but their underlying affection for Anna and wishes for her happiness are endearing. Lucy’s ornery but kind grandmother adds to the story’s humor and warmth, and Lucy and Anna’s quirky coworkers round out the colorful cast. Although Anna and Lucy’s happily ever after seems inevitable to everyone around them, their road to figuring it out is twisty, steamy, sweet, but ultimately highly satisfying.
For readers who enjoy sapphic romance filled with heart, spice, and mischief, A Break in Communication is destined to become a holiday favorite.
November 28, 2024
A Break in Communications is incredibly fun. A rivals-to-lovers holiday romance with elements of fake dating and some of the best characterization I've ever seen. The sudden shift from Anna's rivalry towards Lucy's obsessive crush is absolutely adorable, and the chemistry between the two is palpable throughout every stage of their relationship. I'm not usually a fan of fake dating plotlines, but the way this one was framed made it more than enjoyable.
The side cast is extremely dynamic, with Anna's meddling mother, Lucy's grandmother, and the relationship between Anna's sister and coworker being highlights. I would've read an entire book on Kelcey and Veronica's relationship.
The workplace subplot felt a little unnecessarily convoluted at points, but resolves in an incredibly entertaining fashion, and ultimately doesn't detract from the focus of the book.
A Break in Communications is a delightful, charming and cozy holiday read. The chemistry is fantastic, the twists are engaging, and I couldn't put it down from beginning to end. Absolutely recommended.
I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
The side cast is extremely dynamic, with Anna's meddling mother, Lucy's grandmother, and the relationship between Anna's sister and coworker being highlights. I would've read an entire book on Kelcey and Veronica's relationship.
The workplace subplot felt a little unnecessarily convoluted at points, but resolves in an incredibly entertaining fashion, and ultimately doesn't detract from the focus of the book.
A Break in Communications is a delightful, charming and cozy holiday read. The chemistry is fantastic, the twists are engaging, and I couldn't put it down from beginning to end. Absolutely recommended.
I received an advance copy in exchange for a review, but all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
November 29, 2024
I'm usually a fan of Lily Seabrooke books, with only a few of the Christmas books that I didn't really care for. While there is often humor in her books, that is usually not the main point of her books. It seems like it is the case with A Break in Communications, though. It is a comedy of errors and an almost slapstick-type energy. The chemistry between Lucy and Anna is okay, but quite honestly Anna comes across as creepy and stalkerish (bearing some similarities to Paisley in the Bayview Romances books,, although, even though Anna is a more "likable" character than Paisley, she doesn't necessarily come across that way. The main thing I got from this book is that Lucy is really stressed, and Anna doesn't seem to care about that at all.
Not that it matters to anybody else. The characters in here, whether they be coworkers or family, don't seem to care about each other, and none of them are really likable (Lucy is the most likable to me, although she is sort of the ice queen character).
The book does have its moments of humor, but the lack of character depth makes it a rare disappointment in the Lily Seabrooke catalog.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not that it matters to anybody else. The characters in here, whether they be coworkers or family, don't seem to care about each other, and none of them are really likable (Lucy is the most likable to me, although she is sort of the ice queen character).
The book does have its moments of humor, but the lack of character depth makes it a rare disappointment in the Lily Seabrooke catalog.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2024
Tug of War Romance
Lily Seabrooke has written an entertaining holiday romance featuring communications professionals Anna Preston and Lucy Masters. Both are vying for the same promotion, which Anna is hellbent on winning and pushing Lucy out of the way. Lucy wants the position, but her heart’s more enmeshed with pining mightily for Anna Preston, whom she’s been smitten with since Anna joined the company.
Seabrooke ups the engagement value of her story with the supporting quirky characters, including dimwitted and loose-lipped co-worker Kelcey; Anna’s mom Maria who’s never met an event or a person she couldn’t intrude upon; and Anna’s brash sister Veronica who creates chaos for Kelcey “by-sexually”
stringing her along.
But the standout among all the book’s off-center personalities is Lucy’s capricious Grandma Charlotte, who unabashedly spills all Lucy’s feelings for Anna to help her granddaughter win the woman of her dreams.
Seabrooke’s A Break in Communications isn’t a warm, cozy, cocoa-with-marshmallows romance. Rather, it’s a rollicking good read with lots of lively banter, a seesaw love story, heated sex scenes, and fun.
I participated as an ARC reviewer via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Lily Seabrooke has written an entertaining holiday romance featuring communications professionals Anna Preston and Lucy Masters. Both are vying for the same promotion, which Anna is hellbent on winning and pushing Lucy out of the way. Lucy wants the position, but her heart’s more enmeshed with pining mightily for Anna Preston, whom she’s been smitten with since Anna joined the company.
Seabrooke ups the engagement value of her story with the supporting quirky characters, including dimwitted and loose-lipped co-worker Kelcey; Anna’s mom Maria who’s never met an event or a person she couldn’t intrude upon; and Anna’s brash sister Veronica who creates chaos for Kelcey “by-sexually”
stringing her along.
But the standout among all the book’s off-center personalities is Lucy’s capricious Grandma Charlotte, who unabashedly spills all Lucy’s feelings for Anna to help her granddaughter win the woman of her dreams.
Seabrooke’s A Break in Communications isn’t a warm, cozy, cocoa-with-marshmallows romance. Rather, it’s a rollicking good read with lots of lively banter, a seesaw love story, heated sex scenes, and fun.
I participated as an ARC reviewer via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 23, 2024
3.5/5
I will admit that when I started reading this book, I disliked Anna. She was rude and expected the worst out of Lucy at every moment, while Lucy was lovesick over a woman who treated her like dirt. I didn't like that Anna was trying to "one-up" Lucy by using her, even though Lucy was an intelligent woman who more or less understood that she was being used. However, as the book went along and Anna pulled her head out of her ass, I found the relationship between the two to be much cuter and more equitable.
I love a lot of Lily's work and this book leaned hard into Lily's signature humor, particularly with Anna's sister Veronica, who I also loved and found exasperating at the same time. Kelcey was an absolute joy of a character and I hope there's a follow up to this novel where Veronica sorts her feelings out and they get together!
Overall, I found this book a mixed bag in the beginning but fell in love with the characters by the halfway point. Anna and Lucy make a cute couple and I was rooting for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will admit that when I started reading this book, I disliked Anna. She was rude and expected the worst out of Lucy at every moment, while Lucy was lovesick over a woman who treated her like dirt. I didn't like that Anna was trying to "one-up" Lucy by using her, even though Lucy was an intelligent woman who more or less understood that she was being used. However, as the book went along and Anna pulled her head out of her ass, I found the relationship between the two to be much cuter and more equitable.
I love a lot of Lily's work and this book leaned hard into Lily's signature humor, particularly with Anna's sister Veronica, who I also loved and found exasperating at the same time. Kelcey was an absolute joy of a character and I hope there's a follow up to this novel where Veronica sorts her feelings out and they get together!
Overall, I found this book a mixed bag in the beginning but fell in love with the characters by the halfway point. Anna and Lucy make a cute couple and I was rooting for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
Flawed in bad ways
I enjoyed the story for the most part. I like the interactions between Lucy and Anna. However, Anna’s family is intolerable.
They show up wherever they like, including her work functions and parties. Her sister is a narcissist asshole who uses people, but is written in a way that is meant to be cute and funny.
But the most obnoxious thing of all is that they don’t listen.
She tells them not to show up at her work stuff they do it anyways. She tells them that she’s not dating someone. They won’t listen. Literally say “well, Kelsey said you were dating, and your other coworker said you were dating, so obviously you’re dating! Why didn’t you tell us?”
Like, great. So if 2 people tell you something it must be true?
She tells her sister not to bang and use one of her coworkers, the girl does it anyways.
It’s honestly ruining the story for me. The ignoring of consent in the story, violating people’s homes, and just general outshines turned this from a 5 star read to a 3 star.
Love Lily Seabrooke’s writing. I think I’ve enjoyed pretty much every other book. But this one had too much of what I would consider toxic.
I enjoyed the story for the most part. I like the interactions between Lucy and Anna. However, Anna’s family is intolerable.
They show up wherever they like, including her work functions and parties. Her sister is a narcissist asshole who uses people, but is written in a way that is meant to be cute and funny.
But the most obnoxious thing of all is that they don’t listen.
She tells them not to show up at her work stuff they do it anyways. She tells them that she’s not dating someone. They won’t listen. Literally say “well, Kelsey said you were dating, and your other coworker said you were dating, so obviously you’re dating! Why didn’t you tell us?”
Like, great. So if 2 people tell you something it must be true?
She tells her sister not to bang and use one of her coworkers, the girl does it anyways.
It’s honestly ruining the story for me. The ignoring of consent in the story, violating people’s homes, and just general outshines turned this from a 5 star read to a 3 star.
Love Lily Seabrooke’s writing. I think I’ve enjoyed pretty much every other book. But this one had too much of what I would consider toxic.
March 3, 2025
Seabrooke to the Rescue🎉🫶🏻🎉🫶🏻
If there is an author out there that can make you both laugh and cry simultaneously, better than Lily Seabrooke, I have yet to encounter her.
This is my 10th Seabrooke experience and I pray they will infinitely continue.
What more can one wish for in the dregs of winter, than a deeply emotional, and sometimes confusing love story filled with crazy humor from “unusual “ characters, that also wraps its arms around an intensely felt and complexly experienced love story?
Whenever I need to feel that life is truly worth living, I know where to go to find it.
Anna and Lucy are just two, very wonderful and enigmatically HOT women, competitive, smart, talented and of course perfectly suited for each other.
It is comforting to know that they will reappear in this series, as other characters continue to entertain us in ways that only Ms. Seabrooke seems to know how to do.
Love, from your loyal follower, Libra…💕💕💕
If there is an author out there that can make you both laugh and cry simultaneously, better than Lily Seabrooke, I have yet to encounter her.
This is my 10th Seabrooke experience and I pray they will infinitely continue.
What more can one wish for in the dregs of winter, than a deeply emotional, and sometimes confusing love story filled with crazy humor from “unusual “ characters, that also wraps its arms around an intensely felt and complexly experienced love story?
Whenever I need to feel that life is truly worth living, I know where to go to find it.
Anna and Lucy are just two, very wonderful and enigmatically HOT women, competitive, smart, talented and of course perfectly suited for each other.
It is comforting to know that they will reappear in this series, as other characters continue to entertain us in ways that only Ms. Seabrooke seems to know how to do.
Love, from your loyal follower, Libra…💕💕💕
November 30, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading the story of Anna and Lucy, two coworkers who are fierce rivals, at least in Anna's mind anyway. The banter between the two MCs is amongst some of my favorite in Lily's books. They constantly push each others' buttons and get flustered as a result, which has some hilarious results. The supporting cast of their families and friends/coworkers is excellent as well, with a few standouts that include Anna's sister, Veronica, their coworker, Kelcey, and my absolute favorite grumpy elder ever, Lucy's grandmother, Charlotte. In addition to the humor, the book also packs plenty of heat, with several spicy scenes to tickle your fancy. If you're a fan of Lily's previous work and/or want a fun read, grab a copy of A Break in Communications and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
I was given an arc of this book in exchange for a honest review. I think that this book was just ok or good not amazing. The relationship between Lucy and Anna in the beginning of the book kind of worried me. At times it felt like the story was disjointed or a little bit rushed. Anna just hated Lucy or strongly disliked her and then she just kind of discovers that she was in love with her the whole time, and I wasn’t sure if I as a reader was convinced of the love in the beginning. I think that having Lucy be in love with Anna from the beginning also made the dynamic feel off. The sex scenes were also a major tone change that I wasn’t expecting and I’m not sure if that helped with making it seem like Anna had discovered these feelings for Lucy. But overall it was a fun read.
December 3, 2024
I don’t often love enemies to lovers stories. I find that either the “enemies” part is unbelievable and contrived, or that I can’t so easily forgive the past behaviour, just because they’ve fallen into a physical relationship along the way.
But Lily has written a wonderful, believable, and downright heartwarming tale, strengthened by not only a completely relatable situation, but by a character who also has trouble letting go of her past feelings. The journey she goes through in her head from enemies, to eventual HEA is something truly special, and relatable.
If you don’t usually like the enemies to lovers trope, this might just be the book to change your mind. It definitely changed mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But Lily has written a wonderful, believable, and downright heartwarming tale, strengthened by not only a completely relatable situation, but by a character who also has trouble letting go of her past feelings. The journey she goes through in her head from enemies, to eventual HEA is something truly special, and relatable.
If you don’t usually like the enemies to lovers trope, this might just be the book to change your mind. It definitely changed mine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2025
4 stars. I really enjoyed all the humor and quick, witty dialogue. The back and forth was believable, well-written, and well paced. Every character is individual and not generic, and I appreciate that attention to detail. There are dual POVs, and I think that is successful, though one MC has much fewer chapters. I wish there had been more from her POV, mainly because I really enjoyed the character and wanted to get into her head more, though she is well-characterized through the POV of the other MC. Place is mildly dealt with, and mainly as characterization. We get only the broad strokes instead of the details. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would read it again. I tend to seek out works with unique, believable, and fallible characters, and this definitely fits the bill.
November 16, 2024
If you meet this story as it’s intended, as a Christmas RomCom, you’ll probably enjoy it. Unfortunately, I read this one right after “Fake It” and “What Makes a Moment”, by the same author, which were substantially better, in my opinion.
MCs’ chemistry wasn’t quite there for me, and the sex scenes were a bit jarring (not really in keeping with what was built up, characterisation-wise). The ending few chapters also felt noticeably rushed — I think this could have done with another editing parse, honestly. Definite potential: Charlotte was fun, and Veronica was amusingly toxic.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
MCs’ chemistry wasn’t quite there for me, and the sex scenes were a bit jarring (not really in keeping with what was built up, characterisation-wise). The ending few chapters also felt noticeably rushed — I think this could have done with another editing parse, honestly. Definite potential: Charlotte was fun, and Veronica was amusingly toxic.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
As soon as I started this book, I couldn't stop reading. It grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let go. Anna and Lucy start enemies, or so Anna thinks, and end up competing for the same job. Sounds predictable, yes? But no. Not saying anymore on that subject, so I don't spoil your enjoyment! This story has a great ensemble of characters.
Veronica and Kelcey need a book of their own Lily! These two made me laugh out loud so many times!
All in all, a great read and I will definitely read again!
Now where do I find my Lucy?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Veronica and Kelcey need a book of their own Lily! These two made me laugh out loud so many times!
All in all, a great read and I will definitely read again!
Now where do I find my Lucy?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
Lilly Seabrooke book, the first one being "Fake It." Just like that book, this one immediately grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. As per usual with anything Lilly writes, the characters are very realistic and you can relate to both Lucy and Anna. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy in this story. For example, the sheer contrast after the first perspective shift. Overall, if you enjoy useless lesbians fumbling around over each other, you're gonna love this book.
As Anna herself said: " like I was some sacred artifact and she was having a religious epiphany getting to experience me"
I cannot wait to read what Lilly has planned next!!
As Anna herself said: " like I was some sacred artifact and she was having a religious epiphany getting to experience me"
I cannot wait to read what Lilly has planned next!!
November 29, 2024
I’ve been lucky enough to receive another ARC from this author. I have to say this was my favorite! Lucy was a 10/10. Hilarious and charming her inner monologue always hit. I wish more of the chapters featured her pov. Anna was great and completely oblivious. Her mom takes the cake for present but not actually there. Veronica is the best type of side character comedy gold mine. Definitely not going to for get and are looking forward to when she will appear again. Please give her and Kelcey a story even if it’s a short! Not a slow burn maybe medium into a blazing fire.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
What a ride! The beginning had me a little uncertain: how would these two ever come together? But together they were… and by the end of the book, the depth of their love shone through, despite how they started this enemies-to-lovers romance.
Just push through the start: the depth of their ultimate love is matched by the vehemence of feelings to be worked through before that could happen, which was a little stronger than I prefer in this genre. But once I the seed of their relationship began to be nurtured, this book grew into one I was quite glad to have read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just push through the start: the depth of their ultimate love is matched by the vehemence of feelings to be worked through before that could happen, which was a little stronger than I prefer in this genre. But once I the seed of their relationship began to be nurtured, this book grew into one I was quite glad to have read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2024
I love when authors will put in words like ‘good girl’ and the other character does whatever the speaker wants without really realizing what they’re doing! Lucy has such a wonderful dynamic with Anna that Lucy is able to use good girl several times. I absolutely love Charlotte and how she acts very grumpy towards Anna, yet we see a different side of her when Anna isn’t around. I have totally giggled and laughed over how Anna is sort of an ice queen yet not, and how she can’t believe certain things that Lucy tells her. The title A Break in Communications was just awesome for this wonderful Christmassy book. Totally enjoyable.
December 9, 2024
All Anna Preston wants is a promotion, but she is contstantly stimied by Lucy Masters, her nemesis. She is ALWAYS in her face, teasing while apparently going for the same promotion.
Lucy Masters fell HARD for Anna the first time they met, but the sarcastic, driven woman seems oblivious to love in general. Plus, it turns out, she thinks Lucy is straight.
When most of their coworkers think they're DATING, word leaks to a major client... who is delighted lesbians are running his account. Now they have to fake date or risk loosing the account, AND Anna starts figuring out Lucy might actually LIKE her.
Good, solid novel, good mix of serious and comedic. And hot sex too.
Lucy Masters fell HARD for Anna the first time they met, but the sarcastic, driven woman seems oblivious to love in general. Plus, it turns out, she thinks Lucy is straight.
When most of their coworkers think they're DATING, word leaks to a major client... who is delighted lesbians are running his account. Now they have to fake date or risk loosing the account, AND Anna starts figuring out Lucy might actually LIKE her.
Good, solid novel, good mix of serious and comedic. And hot sex too.
November 26, 2024
Anna and Lucy are both rivals for a promotion. Anna despises Lucy and sees her as her enemy as well as her competition. Lucy is crushing heavily on Anna and views her through rose tinted glasses, totally oblivious to the fact she’s meant to be the other half of an enemies to lovers story.
Fake dating after misunderstandings adds a further layer of drama.
As usual the book is filled with lots of wit and humour. As it’s set at Christmas I kept wanting to boo Veronica whenever she appeared, like you do at all good pantos when the baddie comes on.
Fake dating after misunderstandings adds a further layer of drama.
As usual the book is filled with lots of wit and humour. As it’s set at Christmas I kept wanting to boo Veronica whenever she appeared, like you do at all good pantos when the baddie comes on.
November 29, 2024
This is a classic Lily Seabrooke novel, with witty, relatable characters who frequently find themselves in situations that would be comical to anyone other than those involved.
I felt the story got off to a bit of a slow start; at the beginning it was hard to see how Anna and Lucy could get together in any meaningful way, but Seabrooke managed to make them both likeable, and I enjoyed seeing each of them with the other person's family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt the story got off to a bit of a slow start; at the beginning it was hard to see how Anna and Lucy could get together in any meaningful way, but Seabrooke managed to make them both likeable, and I enjoyed seeing each of them with the other person's family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It’s a great take on the enemies to lovers trope with only one of them thinking they are enemies and the other hiding that they are totally in love. And it has both fake dating and fake NOT dating as well. So much fun.
Lovely easy read with lots of great characters and the HEA.
I’m sad it’s finished and I am hoping there’s going to be a spin off for Kelcey and Veronica!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lovely easy read with lots of great characters and the HEA.
I’m sad it’s finished and I am hoping there’s going to be a spin off for Kelcey and Veronica!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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